Protective & Polarizing Filters

Learning About Protective and Polarizing Filters

UV, clear, skylight, black and white, and polarized lens filters all help control contrast. The best polarizing filters eliminate the glare and prisming inherent in photos taken in direct sunlight. Filters that attach to the front of camera lenses to block ultraviolet rays are UV filters.

When to Use Polarizing Lens Filters

Polarized lens filters redirect sunlight to produce a subtle, softer lighting effect in photos. For the best results, adjust your position while looking through the viewfinder. These adjustments help you figure out where the most glare is coming from, and thus where to position yourself. Circular polarizing filters work best to minimize sunspots when facing the sun.

Why Use a Black and White Filter?

Adjusting position while using a black and white filter will help you determine the best shot, including lighting and shadow. A black and white contrast filter is better for creating a vintage effect than for light filtering.

Choosing the Best Polarizing Filter

The most important part of choosing contrast control filters is making sure a lens is compatible with your camera. If you want to use off-brand lenses, try a lens adapter kit. A 77mm polarizing lens is popular for beginning photographers, as the increase in focal length is gradual to the human eye, which has a focal length of up to 50mm. To choose the best polarizing filter, note the original focal length of your onboard camera lens. The combination of onboard lens focal length and your new filter will give you the total focal length.

B&H Photo and Video has camera bags, polarizing filters, tripods, and other accessories to protect and enhance your photography equipment.